Watch back: 'A history of Ireland in 100 words: language into lives'

On 25 May, RIA authors of A history of Ireland in 100 words, Sharon Arbuthnot, Máire Ní Mhaonaigh and Gregory Toner, took part in an entertaining and fascinating discussion, organised by the Irish Embassy in Warsaw, aimed at those in Poland (and further afield) who wished to hear more about their work and explore some of the quirky linguistic histories included in their book. The recording of the event is now available on YouTube.

A history of Ireland in 100 words tells a history of Ireland by looking at the development of 100 medieval Irish words drawn from the Royal Irish Academy’s Dictionary of the Irish Language. Words tell stories and encapsulate histories and this book captures aspects of Ireland’s changing history by examining the changing meaning of 100 key words. The book is aimed at a general readership and no prior knowledge of the Irish language is required to delve into the fascinating insights it provides. The book is divided into themes, including writing and literature; food and feasting; technology and science; mind and body. Readers can explore words relating to particular concepts, dipping in and out where they please.

You can buy the book here.